When doing business, understanding cultural nuances is crucial. In places like Singapore, cultural familiarity can make or break a deal. Though today we are experiencing the growth of the “monoculture” thanks to the internet, which breaks down cultural lines, some places are less and slow to assimilate to this growing change. East and South East Asian cultures are of this group. The fast adapting economies to the new global economy, primarily the 4 Asian Tigers, Singapore being one of them, have a contrast to their dynamic economic success.

Reliance and adherence to cultural values are still marked high in these states. As for Singapore, the culture of Saving Face is all too important. Multiple nuances can create a situation where you might cause the people you are engaging in to lose face. This is something you must avoid to not be seen as rude as well as to make sure deals are kept. 

It’s crucial to comprehend and respect Singapore’s varied and multicultural society’s cultural traditions and customs when conducting business there. There are several ethnic communities in Singapore, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian, all of which have their distinctive traditions and customs. Below we have identified a few practices that you should watch out for when doing business with Singaporeans.

Focus on Long-lasting relationships

Business relationships are incredibly important to Singaporeans. They favor building long-lasting relationships above concluding a “quick deal”. They often seek to know a lot about their partners as part of this long-term approach to business connections to develop the trust and loyalty necessary to support the company in the future. Even if some of the information and inquiries may seem unimportant or unrelated to the main issue, try to be understanding and respond to maintain a professional connection.

Establishing rapport might take longer than expected and may seem like a delay, but be patient. Building a strong relationship can enhance the success of your negotiations. Singaporeans value friendly business partnerships, often keeping in touch between meetings and inviting potential partners out for meals and drinks.

Group-focused Decision Process

One of the most crucial things to keep in mind while conducting business with a Singaporean is that, even though you may be able to tell them apart as an individual, they may see themselves as a spokesman or spokesperson for both Singapore and their firm. Because of this group orientation, a person might not be able to make decisions on the spot without first asking their peers. Group consensus is used to reach decisions after consulting the corporate headquarters.

As a result, negotiations proceed considerably more slowly than is typical for most Westerners. Be patient, as reaching decisions will involve extensive communication. Before meeting with a Singaporean company, ensure that your goals align with those of your company, as they will be wary of doing business if they sense a lack of cohesion or collaboration within your team.

Traditional Hierarchy for Age

Based on rank and age, workplaces in Asia are hierarchical. Everybody has a certain role inside their company and must respect the tiering of positions during any discussion. Recognize that folks in positions of authority won’t want to interact with those who are much younger than they are. In Asia, age is a significant indicator of prestige, and recent graduates from universities are not seen as particularly with authority, competence, or time-worthy. As a result, just because two people have the same job title, it does not make them equal, especially if one of them is significantly younger. Take note of this crucial cultural tendency.

Further Cultural Behaviors To Be Aware Of: 

• The idea of “face” is among the most crucial cultural customs to remember when conducting business in Singapore. Maintaining a good “face” at all times is particularly essential in Singaporean society since it alludes to a person’s reputation and social position. This implies that it’s crucial to be kind, respectful, and careful not to make other people feel embarrassed or degraded.

• The idea of hierarchy and respect for authority is a significant cultural practice in Singapore as we have previously alluded to. It’s crucial to use titles like “Mr.”, “Ms.” or “Madam” while speaking to those in positions of authority. Aside from that, it’s critical to respect older people and be aware of age disparities. When having conversations be it casually or professionally, senior members will tend to exert authority. Respect is given automatically for a person’s age and whether he or she is a younger member of a group. When introductions are made, always present the most important member of your group first.

• Before bringing up business, give the casual talk a few seconds to settle. It is seen as rude and disrespectful often to go straight away to business. Singaporeans like to create a sense of easy flow transition into talking about business. Singaporean meetings are often formal, restrained, and slow-paced. Negotiations will probably go well enough if you are patient, composed, and pleasant.

• To prepare for negotiations, keep in mind several concessions you would be able to accept without harming your business or objectives. Singaporeans are hard bargainers and difficult negotiators.

• Singaporeans may not want to question authority and occasionally need to be informed when it is OK to do so. Therefore, whether speaking or presenting, make sure to actively invite questions and smile as you answer them.

• Gifts are frequently exchanged at business meetings in Singapore as a token of respect and goodwill. It’s vital to pick a meaningful and appropriate present when giving one, such as a sign of appreciation or a book on an interesting subject. Do not give gifts out of the blue though or outside of events. Giving too many gifts can be seen as a form of bribery. Even if there is no bribery happening and you want to give a gift out of appreciation, don’t forget that doing so may cause a loss of face as it may cause others to think that the person you are giving a gift to is accepting a bribe.

• Being clear and succinct in your communication is crucial, but you should also be careful with your language and tone. Avoiding conflict or acting aggressively is vital in Singaporean culture; instead, choose a more diplomatic and courteous attitude.

• Be careful of dismissing suggestions right away as they might be perceived as dismissing the person who said them, so refrain from doing so. Instead, avoid upsetting anyone’s feelings by being oblique or indirect when delivering any corrective or disparaging comments.

• Consider adding a translation on the back of your business card in Simplified Chinese before you depart for Singapore. Your chances of being viewed favorably rise as a result. In Singapore, following the first greetings, business cards are exchanged using both hands. Thumbs and index fingers are used to hold the cards and make sure that the text is facing the receiver. Do not use your left hand to do this or to give anything to another person as it is perceived as unclean. Also, never write on someone’s business card since doing so is seen as disrespectful. When you receive a business card, avoid putting it in your back pocket, as it can be seen as disrespectful. In a conference room, place the business card on the table in front of you and keep it there for a minute before putting it away.

• Another thing to look out for is punctuality. Singaporeans would judge you by your tardiness. It is a sign of high respect if you are punctual. Sometimes, Singaporeans might be intentionally late by a few minutes to avoid appearing too eager, reflecting various cultural nuances. Don’t do this, however, as a foreigner you want to be on time.

• Avoid talking about politics, bureaucracy, religion, crime, or punishment. You want to keep positive harmony and Singaporeans will appreciate it.

• It’s crucial to understand the different population’s religious customs and practices in Singapore. This entails being aware of the hours of prayer and avoiding arranging meetings or events around these times. It also means being aware of food requirements and providing halal or vegetarian alternatives as needed.

• Lastly, you might be tempted to do rapport to fill in lulls or gaps in the conversion. Don’t fill in gaps during the conversation, as this is a good time to reflect on what’s been said. When given the chance to speak, some Singaporeans would hesitate for 10 to 15 seconds. Emulating this practice will show patience and self-control which will be a big boost in showing respect.

In conclusion, it’s crucial to respect and be sensitive to the culture and traditions of this lively and diversified country when conducting business in Singapore. Maintaining a cheerful “face” is important, as is respecting authority and hierarchy, exchanging suitable presents, communicating diplomatically, knowing when to be indirect, and being sensitive to religious customs. Do this to create better bonds and win the trust of your Singaporean partners and coworkers. All this seems daunting, especially if such Asian culture is alien to you. If you need help we invite you to take advantage of our experts here at XYNC. If you plan to market in Singapore you can also outsource your marketing to us. Contact us and start planning your entry into the vibrant and profitable Singaporean Market.